'Pochettino shouldn't rush to Real Madrid' - Jenas wants in-demand coach to grow with Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino should resist the temptation to join Real Madrid and instead look to continue his progress with Tottenham Hotspur, Jermaine Jenas says.

Pochettino's impressive work with Spurs since his arrival from Southampton in 2014 has seen him listed as a future option for Madrid and Manchester United.

The Argentine has ruled out the possibility of ever managing Barcelona or Arsenal due to his connection with Espanyol and Spurs, but he has stayed quiet on the prospect of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

With the Champions League holders struggling to keep up with Barca in La Liga this season, coach Zinedine Zidane's future at Madrid has become uncertain for the first time, sparking further speculation that Pochettino could be lined up as his successor.

And, although former Spurs star Jenas is not surprised by interest in the 45-year-old, he feels he has much more to do in north London as the club aim to challenge for trophies.

"It's natural that Pochettino is sought after. It's natural that, when you play well, the best and the biggest clubs come for you," he told Goal. 

"It's happening with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and all the Tottenham players because they are playing attractive football and doing the right things. And that's been possible because of one man - Pochettino.

"But he doesn't have to rush to go to Real Madrid. He'll keep growing at Spurs and I think there's a long project for him here.

"He feels the club is backing and supporting him. When it stops, he will look elsewhere, but until then he will continue to manage Spurs."

Another star player for Pochettino's side this season has been Son Heung-min, who has scored eight goals and set up a further four in the Premier League this season.

And Jenas is delighted to see the South Korea international put in such decisive displays, highlighting him as a pivotal part of Pochettino's pool.

"I watched him when he was playing in Germany and I knew he would succeed in the Premier League. When I see his attributes, I thought he's kind of built for the Premier League," he added.

"Did I expect him to be as successful as the level he is playing at right now? Probably not. I've said on numerous occasions this year that Son is the most important player, not because of versatility, but because of his productivity, his goals last year and this year."